Kick-Start Publishing’s new chief executive officer, John Miller, brings a diverse and well-rounded background to the role, shaped by decades of experience across defence, logistics, consultancy and commercial leadership. As the business looks to its next phase of development, his approach is rooted in discipline, collaboration and a clear focus on delivering value to the flooring industry.
John began his career in the Royal Navy, joining in October 1980 and spending most of his service in the Submarine Service aboard HMS Renown and HMS Resolution. He also gained experience in the General Surface Fleet, serving on HMS Fife and HMS Birmingham. He left the navy when family circumstances changed following the arrival of his two children, taking with him a strong foundation in teamwork, accountability and operational rigour.
Transitioning into the commercial sector, John spent several years in logistics, working with TNT Express, Bunzl Group and Special Delivery Services. During this time, he held senior leadership positions including sales and marketing director, commercial director and group managing director. These roles helped shape his understanding of complex supply chains, customer relationships and the importance of sustainable commercial growth.
John later partnered with American Express to establish a cost reduction consultancy, leveraging £3.4bn of spend. Operating in the cost reduction arena for several years, he worked alongside major consultancies such as Capita and PwC, gaining further insight into strategic decision making, efficiency and long-term value creation.
His relationship with Kick-Start Publishing spans more than two decades. John first met John Heath 22 years ago and has since supported him through consultancy roles across several businesses. That professional relationship, built on trust and shared values, eventually led to John joining Kick-Start Publishing as a consultant, initially focused on cost efficiencies and exploring new ways to develop the business.
Over the past three years, John has become increasingly embedded within the organisation, working across sales, operations and events. He has developed strong relationships across all Kick-Start titles and has gained a detailed understanding of the company’s markets, customers and partners. This hands-on involvement now underpins how he intends to lead the business.
Looking ahead, John’s focus is on delivering a clear three to five year strategy that builds on Kick-Start Publishing’s established authoritative position within the flooring industry. Central to this is ensuring the company’s core strengths around trust, targeted reach and data are fully maximised within its highly specialised markets. He’s also keen to work closely with commercial partners to continue developing compelling exclusive content that supports customers in addressing the challenges facing the industry today.
Enhancing Kick-Start Publishing’s messaging and expanding its digital footprint form a key part of this vision, alongside a renewed commitment to listening to and engaging with the flooring industry to ensure its evolving needs are met. John has already seen increased support from the sector in recent weeks, which he views as a positive indicator of the company’s direction.
Reflecting on the road ahead, Johnny says he is ‘very much looking forward to delivering a highly relevant and improving service to the flooring industry with the top quality Kick-Start team we have at our disposal’, and is particularly keen to work closely with David Strydom, the company’s new managing director, as the business continues to evolve.